Liberal Democrat MPs are still trying to hold the UK to ransom, to save their failed careers
Chuka Umunna: He joined the Liberal Democrats but his Streatham seat is staunchly Labour; it seems the Lib Dems are willing to support a ‘no deal’ Brexit, in defiance of their promises to voters, so MPs like him can keep the seats they no longer deserve to occupy.
Novice Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson is putting a vote of no confidence in the government at risk by insisting that Jeremy Corbyn should not become caretaker prime minister, it seems.
Parliamentary precedent shows that, after a successful vote of ‘no confidence’ in a sitting government, it is the leader of the largest opposition party – in this case Mr Corbyn – who first tries to form a replacement.
But Ms Swinson has written another begging letter to Mr Corbyn saying his insistence on being interim leader means there is a danger too few MPs will support the vote.
What she omits is the fact that this is only because her own party is threatening to support the government instead. Several current Liberal Democrat MPs fear losing their seats in a general election called by Mr Corbyn, it seems.
In fairness, we don’t even know if her claim has any accuracy to it at all.
It requires all Conservative MPs, and all the Democratic Unionist Party that is propping up Boris Johnson’s government, to vote for the government – and many may abstain rather than be seen to support BoJob’s ‘no deal’ Brexit disaster-in-the-making.
So what we’re seeing is the selfishness of a few Liberal Democrats, who are trying to hold an entire nation to ransom for the sake of their failed careers.
In her letter to Mr Corbyn, Ms Swinson added: “Insisting you lead that emergency government will therefore jeopardise the chances of a no confidence vote gaining enough support to pass in the first place.
“As you have said that you would do anything to avoid no deal, I hope you are open to a discussion about how conceding this point may open the door to a no-confidence vote succeeding. Its success must be the priority.”
Labour did not respond to the letter.
Instead, the party referred to comments made by its shadow international trade secretary, Barry Gardiner, who on Sunday described Ms Swinson as “extremely petulant” for dismissing Mr Corbyn’s initial proposal to lead a temporary government.
Source: Jeremy Corbyn risks scuppering no-confidence vote, says Jo Swinson – BBC News
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A little difficult to comment on what is or is not a precedent when there have been only two successful Votes of No confidence in 95 years – 1924 and 1979. In 1979 the vote brought about the downfall of the Callaghan administration and he immediately went to thhe country. With the implementation of Fixed Term Parliament I understand that following a Vote of No Confidence the defeated government has fourteen days in which to present proposals (with, perhaps) a new government) and try and win a further Confidence Vote. Failure to do so would trigger an election. I have seen nothing to indicate that the leader of the main opposition party has the opportunity to form a government, either permanent or caretaker.
One example sets a precedent so a precedent has, indeed, been set.
So which example are you quoting that demonstrates “Parliamentary precedent shows…..” ?
The same one that everybody else quotes.
Which is?
Which is what?
Which or what is the precedent you claim everybody else is quoting and when did it occur?
You don’t know? I thought you were claiming to have researched this!
You thought erong! I made no claim into researching this and simply asked you to identify when the precedent you are quoting came into being….or didn’t you do any research either?
So you’re admitting that when you started this conversation you didn’t have the expertise you claimed? That you were lying?
If you’re determined to act in such bad faith then there’s no reason to continue this discussion with you. I would recommend that you do a bit of research for yourself before daring to criticise others.